Step 1: INQUIRY
Learn more about the foster parent licensing process in Indiana and if it’s right for you and your family.
Complete this form, or call us at 317-205-8301, and we will schedule a call, usually less than an hour, where we will learn a little about you and you can ask any question you have about the process. During this call, you can expect the following questions:
Are you familiar with the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) or the U.S. child welfare system in general?
If not, we can give an overview as well as answer all your questions. If so, we can skip the overview and answer any specific questions you may have.
What are your expectations?
The goal for most children is reunification with their biological parents. Adoption does occur but is not the intended goal of the program.
Do you have anything that might show up on a limited background check that may delay or end the process?
We will discuss what background checks entail when we speak with you.
How many empty bedrooms do you have available in your home?
You must at least have two. A foster child needs to have at least 50 square feet of living space within a bedroom and can share a room with biological children; however, age and gender will need to be taken into consideration. Foster children cannot share a bedroom with an adult.
We know that’s a LOT of questions, but believe it or not, it’s just the beginning.
If you’re ready to move forward with becoming a licensed foster parent, we will make the process as simple as we can and we will be with you every step of the way. As you compile and complete each part of the application, we will review it, finalize it, and submit it to the Indiana Department of Child Services. Completing the licensure process happens at a different pace, or in a different order for everyone. For example, one person may complete all their training before completing all the paperwork, or vice versa. The entire process can take about three months starting from the time you first inquire if you are really motivated and complete each step quickly. We work hard to accommodate your needs, and your schedule throughout the process.Step 2: DOCUMENTATION
The next step in the process begins with a call from a licensing specialist who will walk you through the documentation the state requires for your application.
We never want you to feel overwhelmed, which is why we break down everything in a way that works for you. You’ll need documents like:- Birth Certificate(s), Driver’s License(s), and Vehicle Insurance(s)
- Childcare Plan, Financial Verification, and a Medical Report.
Step 3: EDUCATION
Learn about Choices, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), and how to be a good foster parent.
Learn about Choices, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), and what it means to be a good foster parent. You will attend in-person classes and complete online courses to meet DCS licensing requirements DCS. We will schedule around your availability.
Orientation
Introduction to Choices and becoming a foster parent.
- Format: Online
- Length: 1 hour
Resource and Adoptive Parent Training
There are four Resource and Adoptive Parent Training courses. The first three are required for all prospective foster and adoptive parents; the fourth is only for families working toward adoption.
- RAPT I: Learn the basic structure of the Indiana DCS and the licensing process to become a resource or adoptive parent; Explore the role of resource parents as members of an entire foster care team; Understand the impact of fostering or adopting of a child(ren).
- Format: Online Via Microsoft Teams
- Length: 3 hours
- RAPT II: Learn the basic definitions and signs of child maltreatment like abuse and neglect; Develop empathy for children in care and their parents.
- Format: Online
- Length: 3 hours
- RAPT III: Learn about essential concepts like attachment, discipline, caregiving and how they affect families.
- Format: Online Via Microsoft Teams
- Length: 4 hours
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma that occurs in childhood and adulthood produces lasting physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual effects. Trauma changes the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Learn how to avoid actions that may be unknowingly harmful.
- Format: Online Via Microsoft Teams
- Length: 4 hours
Understanding and Managing Challenging Behaviors
Overview of factors that affect child behavior, including how trauma impacts development. Tips for setting up structure in a home, addressing behaviors, de-escalating situations and teaching children to identify emotions as ways to manage behaviors. Guide to positive discipline techniques and DCS policy regarding discipline in resource homes.
- Format: Online Via Microsoft Teams
- Length: 3 hours
Understanding Sexual Abuse
Understand societal conceptions of child sexual abuse, typical sexual development in children, and your role in disclosure situations. Learn how to create a safety plan and a supportive healing environment to help children who have experienced sexual abuse.
- Format: Online Via Microsoft Teams
- Length: 3 hours
Overview of the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978
Learn the history of the child welfare practice working with Indigenous children and ICWA practice implications for foster parents and professionals.
- Format: Online
- Length: 30 minutes
Medication Management
Learn information and regulations concerning managing medications.
- Format: Online
- Length: 30 minutes
Universal Precautions
Understand bloodborne pathogens, how to prevent and handle exposure. This course aligns with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.
- Format: Online
- Length: 45 minutes
CPR & First Aid
Recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies to know to give immediate care to a suddenly injured or ill person until more advanced medical personnel arrive.
- Format: In Person
- Length: 6 hours
Step 4: HOME STUDY
A home study is an all-encompassing look into your life.
This will include questionnaires with follow-up interviews, multiple visits to your home, and speaking with personal references. IN DCS also requires environmental checks, meaning a full walkthrough of your home to assess safety. This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, basements, etc.Step 5: PLACEMENT
When complete, your home study is complete, we will finalize all paperwork and submit your application to DCS for approval. You then receive your license and can accept a placement of a youth(s) in your home as soon as you feel ready.When a placement occurs, we are standing by to support you and the youth for a smooth transition. With each new placement, you can expect:
- Consistent, responsive communication with your Choices’ team
- A home visit from Choices within 24 hours
- A home visit from IN DCS
- Visits with any service providers within 1-2 weeks
- A direct deposit of per diem funds within 2 weeks
Why Foster with Choices?
We Are Your Cheerleaders and Champions! 🏆
- We have more flexibility to provide training that work with your schedule.
- We provide therapy-based education that prepares you to care for a youth with emotional and/or behavioral challenges.
- Each of our team members works with a small number of families, allowing them to be responsive and supportive to everyone.
